Did you know that dogs (and, it appears, all animals) are “contra-freeloaders”? This curious phenomenon means that given the option, they would choose to perform a behavior to acquire food even if that same food were freely available.

So ditch the boring bowl, and let your dogs work for their meals! Lots of puzzle toys and interactive feeders exist these days that will get your dog to use their problem-solving abilities to earn their kibble. You can also make your own by raiding your recycling bin and putting kibble in empty pizza boxes, paper towel rolls, milk jugs, etc.

Not only will you extend your dog’s meal time so that you can also enjoy some rest, but you will be creating a happy and behaviorally healthy pet in the process!

 

Photo by James Barker on Unsplash